By Aislynne Chappell
For students interested in making an impact on campus and learning about drug policy reform, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) at Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is the place to be! SSDP is dedicated to promoting harm reduction, educating students on substance safety and advocating for meaningful drug policy reform.
Leading SSDP is Maria Fernanda Corral Cervantes, a fourth-year psychology major whose passion for harm reduction and social justice has created a welcoming and impactful club environment.
Though Cervantes wasn’t the first to bring SSDP to CSUMB they’re committed to reviving and expanding the club’s reach after the COVID-19 pandemic paused its activities. Cervantes emphasizes the importance of harm reduction on campus and wants to make free resources like Narcan and fentanyl test strips more accessible to students.
“We want these resources available in more locations around campus so students don’t have to go far to access them,” said Cervantes.
With the upcoming elections, SSDP is also aiming to inform students about policies and propositions related to drug reform to encourage active, informed voting.
This semester, SSDP hosted several engaging events, including workshops on safe drinking habits and situational awareness for students attending parties or social gatherings.
“We want students to be aware of how to monitor their alcohol intake, have a designated driver, and know about resources the school provides, like Lyft passes that give students a few free rides a month,” Cervantes explains.
SSDP events are geared towards making students feel safe, informed and supported while navigating social situations.
For Cervantes, fostering a culture of harm reduction on campus means more than just providing resources–it’s about creating a space where students can discuss their experiences openly. “It’s important for students to have a place to talk about things like drinking habits or first-time experiences with substances,” said Cervantes. “Many students are away from home for the first time and may not fully understand their limits. Having conversations about safety helps students make informed decisions and be prepared if something goes wrong.”
Beyond harm reduction, Cervantes also envisions SSDP as a platform for social justice. They emphasize the need to address disparities in how people of color are penalized for drug use compared to white individuals. “There’s a fine line in the criminal justice system regarding who gets penalized more harshly,” said Cervantes. “SSDP can help bring this social justice aspect to light and work towards equality.”
Students can get involved outside of club meetings by supporting policy reform initiatives on campus or doing small, impactful acts, like sharing harm reduction resources with friends. For example, an SSDP member recently created a Halloween candy basket with fentanyl test strips, making it easy for dorm residents to access them this Halloween.
In SSDP meetings, Cervantes works to cultivate a space for open dialogue. Members are encouraged to discuss topics ranging from policy changes to personal experiences with substances. “We want a space where students can share openly and even give their own presentations,” said Cervantes.
This inclusive, student-led environment allows SSDP members to inspire each other while creating a supportive network focused on harm reduction, social justice and peer education.
SSDP is always looking for new members passionate about making a difference. Follow @csumb.ssdp on Instagram for updates on events, links to MyRaft and recruitment information. You can also add SSDP on MyRaft to stay in the loop about upcoming meetings and events. Consider getting involved with SSDP to contribute to a safer, more informed community at CSUMB.